Haleakala

Haleakala is the world’s largest dormant volcano and the only place you’ll find the protected silversword. Seek the summit to look into its chasm and see a spectacular sunrise.

Seek the Summit–Haleakala, the crown of Maui, pinnacles at more than 10,000 feet. Meaning “House of the Sun,” it’s the earth’s largest dormant volcano. The east-facing chasm swallows sunrises like a giant glass of orange juice. Haleakala is 3,000 feet deep and has a circumference of 21 miles.

Atop the clouds, summit seekers are rewarded with views of all of Maui’s neighboring islands. Rust-colored cindercones of all sizes rise from the volcano’s belly. The top of Haleakala is a national park and the visitor center, located a half-mile below the summit, opens at sunrise daily. It has displays featuring the volcano’s geology and legends, plus hourly talks. Phone (808)572-4400 for recorded info on ranger hikes, programs and travel tips.

The only road to the summit is Haleakala Highway 37. It’s reputed for climbing the most altitude in the shortest distance; pick it up outside the airport in Kahului.

On the way up, two overlooks offering different perspectives are Leleiwi and Kalahaku. Leleiwi is known for the Specter of the Brocken. This phenomenon apparently shows your shadow, ringed by a rainbow, in the clouds below. According to a park ranger, the sun must be behind you during the late afternoon.

Kalahaku is a good place to see endangered silverswords—the rare, spikey member of the sunflower family. The plant survives below-freezing nights and warm days.

Have a picnic at Hosmer Grove and take the half-mile nature walk. A map at the trail head details the introduced trees you’ll see that were planted in 1910. There is no food or drinks sold in the park.

A suggested Haleakala itinerary is to see the summit sunrise and warm up by walking a ways on the Sliding Sands Trail. It starts at the summit. Drive down to the visitor center, Leleiwi and Kalahaku overlooks. Drive to Hosmer Grove, eat and do the nature loop.

TRAVEL TIMES TO THE SUMMIT

• From Kahului:1 hr.
• From Kihei:1.5 hrs.
• From Lahaina: 2 hrs.
• For viewing conditions and weather update, phone (808)871-5054.

WILD LIFE TO SEE
BIRDS:

• Nene goose:state bird
• Pueo owl:daytime
• Apapane:red, forest
• Amakihi-green, forest
• Iiwi: red, forest

PLANTS:

• Silversword
• Haleakala sandalwood
• Mamane and Pilo